Interested in what other people have to say? Read through some of our past reviews and find out what Mother Lode guests really have to say about their time at the River Center! If you’re still not convinced, check out our Trip Advisor, Google+, Yelp, Facebook and other reviews too!

“I did not want to miss the opportunity to compliment you and your staff on your well-run program. We could see that you were not the only outfitter in town but we felt safe in your hands. Your guides were knowledgeable and responsible (plus funny and charming!) and your equipment was in good condition. If anyone ever asks me for an outfitter in your area, I will definitely recommend you.” -Mary Ripma

 

“As event planners, we are well-versed in the art of hospitality. It is our collective opinion that your company’s mastery of organization and hospitality is one of the finest we’ve ever encountered. Your commitment to creating a safe, memorable adventure is apparent in every aspect of your operation.” – Kay Thomas

 

“You made our company trip wilder than anyone could have ever imagined. Everyone has been talking non-stop about how much fun they had, what a cool group of guides you are, how yummy the food was, and how we have to do it again. Rafting fever!” – Nicole Smith

 

“Our students enjoyed their day and learned a great deal, your facilities were really user-friendly. Thank you — we are already looking for dates to attend next.” – Patti

 

“Thanks for a fantastic float down the Middle Fork. Our bachelor told me that he had an amazing, fantastic time which he will never forget.” – Andy Mione

 

“Michael and I REALLY enjoyed our trip, and wanted to let you know that our guides, Scott and Sara, were incredible. They did a lot more than simply ‘take us down the river.’ They gave us a really awesome adventure with lots of ‘extras,’ like picking us blackberries on the banks, making us a great and thoughtful lunch, and telling us stories about what we saw along the route. Jim was a great driver and we really enjoyed talking with him (he’s a hoot!). Of course, Sara and Scott’s ability with the boats was amazing and we felt safe, even as we were thrilled through the rapids. I especially appreciated how Scott told us what to expect before each big rapid (we were in Scott’s boat the whole adventure). It allowed me to know what to do to help the boat and enjoy the ride. You’ll see us again. Thanks for the memories, and our best to Scott, Sara, Jim and whole crew at Mother Lode.” – Rachelle & Michael Weed

 

“Thank you! We had a great time! Your guides were wonderful, and the food was great. Couldn’t have asked for anything more! We will definitely be back again in the future—either as a family or as a scout troop!” – Diane

 

“I wanted to thank you again for the fantastic weekend at Mother Lode! Awesome tents, facilities, food and crew!!! Everyone in our group had a blast, and I promise you, we’ll be back very soon!” – Bud

“Your staff went above and beyond the call of duty to deliver an overall outstanding rafting performance. Everyone in our group shared this sentiment.” – Nina

 

“Writing to express my appreciation for the wonderful guide we had on our first trip on the Middle Fork American. Our discussion of local history and river ecology really added to the trip. We’ll be back.” – Drew

 

“Thirteen friends and I had the pleasure of rafting with your outfit last weekend. Many of our group are event planners and well-versed in the art of hospitality. Your company is one of the finest.” – Emma

 

“Our guide was confident, knowledgeable and very nice. We had a blast and he was fun to be around. It made our trip that much better. Thanks!” – Carlos

 

“Your guides were very capable and took their responsibilities seriously. We were able to enjoy the beauty and thrill of the river without fear of unsafe conditions with our two kids on board.” – Teresa

 

“Thank you for ensuring that we all had a wonderful trip down the American and a fabulous weekend! It has created a lasting memory. We feel “alive” again and in accord with nature.” – Cindy

 

“I slept a lot better next to the river, knowing that the hot showers were solar, the vehicles were waste oil-powered, and the salad was organic. Way to go Mother Lode!” – Jen

“Your camp is gorgeous, the tents and fire ring are perfectly placed … the sounds and smells of the river … this is something I’ll share with my friends. Thank you.” – Lauren

 

“Your services are always extraordinary. We come every year because we know you love having children there and will treat them well. The river guides are excellent; very calm and professional.” – Gina

 

“The staff for both the rafting trip and the ropes course made our two days better than we could ever imagine…” -Danny

 

“Kids were engaged with the programs, which was delivered a the right level for the age group. The staff did a particularly good job of asking questions to involve the kids, but also to gauge the knowledge level of the class. Energetic, lively, knowledgeable, patient, and fun people — the staff, I mean. The facility was great — casual enough so everyone could run around and play freely, yet comfortable too. Flush toilets, hot-water showers, tent cabins with wooden floors off the dirt, cots all set up: the most luxurious “camping” I’ve ever done. (The volleyball should have been inflated.) Food was fine and always right on time, no mean feat when you’re cooking three meals a day for about 65 people. Good, nutritious food.” – Lisa Bennett

 

“This was a fantastic experience for our kids! I think this is an experience that they will take with them. I would definitely recommend Mother Lode to another group. The staff was EXCELLENT!” – Alicia Wharton

 

“The students had a great time in the outdoors while reviewing info. they have studied and learning new things. The hands on experience of gold panning was one of the high points for the kids. It was a lot harder than they thought!” – Rachael & Catheryn, Elementary/Gold Rush History

 

“…Our kids had the time of their lives, enjoying themselves completely. Your staff kept them interested in the stations, the food was delicious, and the camping areas worked out well. Our parents enjoyed themselves also… Thank you very much for all your communication, care and effort.” – Jean & Cindy

“The sunny day and beautiful area set the stage for a great day. Every student I spoke with said they really enjoyed their day and learned a lot about water… They clearly had a memorable day.” – Danielle – Natomas Charter School

 

“The staff members were very professional and knowledgeable about what they taught the students. They connected well with our students and were positive role models and guides for various outdoor activities. The students appreciated and respected their expertise.” – Kathy Taylor – French American High School

 

“… I learned how to make a dream catcher, what the Nisenan Indians used to make food… It was very fun to play in the streams, search for bugs, pan for gold, (that was the best), and roast marshmallows. You made the trip super fun!” – Alex – Valle Verde School

 

“I want to thank you for the awesome trip to Mother Lode. I had a terrific time and you guys were really fun. Climbing the wall, walking across the log, and going for the leap of faith was a great experience. The food was very yummy and camping out in the tents was a blast. I hope you guys had as much fun as I did!” – Alex D.

 

“Thanks to you and your team at Mother Lode for making our corporate challenge ropes course such a positive and rejuvenating experience. Our group returned to the office with renewed energy and appreciation for our team dynamic. Your facilitators were so gracious and enabled everyone to stretch themselves (literally and figuratively) to their next level of potential. It was very exciting to see our employees working with colleagues they don’t normally interact with in their daily roles. Overall, the day exceeded our expectations and everyone had a great time.” – Amira

 

“Our day doing the low and high ropes was excellent! I thought each of our challenges was indeed challenging but none were impossible — the perfect degree of difficulty for our group. Our leaders — Randy and Scottie — did a great job of communicating our tasks and then discussing our successes and processes we used — helping everyone to understand and learn more about herself and her place in the team dynamic. The day was very beneficial to us all and this is something I would definitely do with our team again! Thanks for a wonderful day and a true teambuilding experience!” – Tanya Nash

 

“Everything was absolutely wonderful from intro-phone calls with staff, to directions/waiver forms etc. (having those emailers was helpful) to the facilitators (Randy & Scottie) and the entire day… awesome! Our team loved it, as did the coaches! We got even that much closer as a team because of this event. Everyone benefited. I would AND WILL bring our team again in a heartbeat. The activities surpassed my/our expectations — we were all pushed/challenged in ways we never had before — awesome! Really, everything was wonderful. Your site is gorgeous, the tents/fire are perfectly placed… this was something that I will tell all of my friends about. Thank you so very much — I think our players learned a lot about themselves and each other, i.e. how we CAN conquer fears, how much we all encourage and support each other, who our leaders are… WOW, THANK YOU!!” – Jennifer Bradley

 

“I couldn’t be happier with our experience at Mother Lode. The facilities were great, the staff was awesome and very personable, and the activities were phenomenal! The kids were totally into it!” – Griff Jones